Traditionally there are 4 Hindu castes: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and Sudra, an arrangement of `hereditary groups in a hierarchy. In Vedic times a caste was associated with a hereditary occupation or profession. In course of time, however, every member of a particular caste did not necessarily continue to practise the occupation associated with it. Certain socio-economic changes that took place in India in the last few decades affected the caste system considerably. For instance, the impact of education had the consequent change in social institutions.

A certain standardization of the Indian society was also brought about with the broadening of contacts within it as well as with the outside world. Also, education and certain economic factors created the need for taking up employment outside the hereditary occupation. As a result the caste restrictions are not so meticulously observed now as they were some decades ago. As far as the Indian Brahmins are considered the divisions are as follows:-

Anavil Community: This community of Brahmins date back to era of Ramayana. They claim that their lineage is linked to the sages of the Yajur Veda. They were mostly concentrated in South Gujarat. Here they were known as Desais. They have flourished in administrative services and have also contributed a great deal to in the Indian Nationalist Movement.

Andhra Brahmins: The origin of the Andhra Brahmins can be traced back to the 2nd century BC. This era was considered the period of prosperity. This erudite community proved to be a lot of help as counsels to the ruling class. The Chalukya rulers offered them secular services. Today they are concentrated in Andhra Pradesh. They are also known to be affable and emotional. The impact of the Bhakti cult was quite strong on them. The cultural contribution of Andhra Brahmins has been immense. Apart from this the most well known Indian philosophers and religious teachers belong to this caste.

Ayyangar Brahmins: What sets this community apart from the rest of its Brahmin brethren is that they are follow Ramanuja`s principles. This sage advocated Visishtadvaita. Mostly the Ayyangars speak in Tamil. This community has also been witness to the Bhakti cult. They are generally quite orthodox about their religion and social set up. On the other hand they are also considered one of the most talented Brahmin community.

Ayyar Community: The biggest Brahmin community in South India constitutes of the Ayyars. They are mainly concentrated in Kerela and Tamil Nadu. They are in love with their age old traditions and customs. Indian literature is indebted to this community for their literary contribution. The lifestyle of the Ayyars is quite disciplined too.

Chitpavan Brahmins: This particular community belongs to Maharashtra. Their origin is steeped into legends. Historically it was during the Maratha rule that they came into prominence. Several well known people belong to this community. They are also popular for their contribution in the nationalist struggle.

Deshastha Brahmins: The region around the Krishna and the Godavari rivers and plateau of the Sahyadri Hills are hailed as the birth land of the Deshastha Brahmins. Tody they are to be found in the Deccan region. They have settled in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Blessed with intellect and good looks they are also known for their love of spirituality.

Karhada Brahmins: This community, too, is to be found in Maharashtra. their faith in the Mother Goddess or Shakti has helped them all kinds of impediments. As a result festivals, such as, Navaratri is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm. The community is further divided into several sub divisions.

Kashmiri Brahmins: As their name suggests they have originated from the valley of Kashmir. Till date they have successfully stuck to their Vedic Aryan root. India has always had some Kashmiri Brahmin or the other to serve her in the form of poets, scholars, statesmen and diplomats.

Madhava Brahmins: This particular community is the follower of Lord Vishnu or simply, Vaishnavites. They are settled in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra and parts of Maharashtra and are also known as Tuluva Brahmins. They have been influenced greatly by the principles of Madhavacharya and his Dwaita philosophy.

Maithil Brahmins, Mohyal Brahmins, Nagar Brahmins and the Sarasvat Brahmins are also part of the Indian upper caste.